Republican lawmakers criticized the leaders of major K-12 school systems in the U.S. for not taking strong action when antisemitic incidents happen in their districts.
Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), who heads the Education panel Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, expressed concern about the prevalence of antisemitism in K-12 schools and questioned who is influencing young students to attack Jewish people.
While the school leaders at the hearing did not experience major moments of difficulty, lawmakers questioned them about how they punish antisemitism in their schools.
The hearing mainly focused on David Banks, chancellor of New York City Public Schools, who had heated interactions with members.
Republicans focused on the former Hillcrest High School principal who was reassigned after a protest against a pro-Israel teacher, rather than being fired.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) accused the leaders of not taking sufficient action to address antisemitism in schools, describing it as a lack of enforcement and accountability.
Banks engaged in arguments with several members of Congress during the hearing, emphasizing that the principal was removed from the school and is entitled to due process. He also mentioned the challenges of firing teachers under union processes.
He also rejected the claim that his entire school system is antisemitic, pointing out that while some members of Congress have made antisemitic remarks, he does not label the entire institution as antisemitic.
Banks emphasized multiple times that his district has suspended about 30 students and disciplined teachers for antisemitism.
Enikia Ford Morthel, superintendent of the Berkeley Unified School District, also disputed any suggestion that antisemitism is widespread in her schools.
Morthel had a confrontational moment with Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) after standing by lesson plans her faculty created, despite agreeing that the phrase “from the river to see, Palestine will be free” is antisemitic.
Rep. Kiley commented on the predictability of students using the phrase in the halls if it is displayed in a classroom, challenging Morthel's decision.
Morthel declined to answer questions about disciplinary actions against antisemitism, citing confidentiality of student and faculty records in California.
Democrats have been highlighting how strongly Republicans have pursued antisemitism, even though they have supported former President Trump, who has had meetings with people accused of antisemitism, like white supremacist Nick Fuentes.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), ranking member of the subcommittee, mentioned that despite instances of what others have labeled as antisemitic remarks and ongoing associations with well-known antisemites, she has not heard any concern expressed for her colleagues on the other side. Instead, she noted a solidifying of support for the former president.
